gameplay

noun

game·​play ˈgām-ˌplā 

variants or game play

plural gameplays or game plays

1

: the characteristic way in which the action of a game (such as a video game) occurs or is experienced

Each game is cleanly done with smooth gameplay and colorful graphics.

—Joe Hindy

Featuring intuitive and addictive gameplay, the game is a lovely distraction from the troubles of the day.

—Amy Davidson

The unique game play led to players adopting all sorts of interesting strategies for getting a high score.

—Jeff Fulton and Steve Fulton

2

: the practice or activity of playing games (such as board games, card games, or video games) : gaming sense 2

Unlike the vast majority of previous studies on the effect of video games on wellbeing, the Oxford team were able to track actual gameplay, rather than relying on self-reported estimates.

—Alex Hern

While not all card shufflers operate more quickly than manual shuffling, in general, a card shuffler speeds up gameplay.

—Allen Foster

… a gaming chair that also massages your back, features an adjustable headrest and has an ergonomic design that allows for hours and hours of game play.

—Heather Quinlan

Examples of gameplay in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The new gameplay mode won’t be available in the United States anytime soon, as Mattel doesn’t own the rights to Scrabble in North America. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2024

Ninja Peach, one of the juicier roles, adds a stealth element to gameplay. —Gieson Cacho, The Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2024

Expect hyper-detail graphics and exciting gameplay mechanics that reward aggression. —PCMAG, 6 Apr. 2024

And Portal and Portal 2 are just extraordinary in terms of the gameplay. —James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Apr. 2024

Albert said Monumental’s plan is to begin construction on arena improvements in the summer of 2025, during the offseason for the Capitals and Wizards, and continue that work the following two summers to prevent interruptions to gameplay for either sports team. —Meagan Flynn, Washington Post, 2 Apr. 2024

Born and raised in New Hampshire, Ahgren began publicly streaming his online gameplay circa-2018. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 15 Mar. 2024

Our tester plays pickleball with intense foot movements yet said the shoes kept her feet protected and comfortable throughout gameplay. —Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 27 Mar. 2024

Others capitalized on the new meta by projecting gameplay on various body parts, but with today’s announcement, such activity will become a bannable offense. —Ash Parrish, The Verge, 27 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined at sense 2